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What Causes High Blood Pressure, Shortness Of Breath And Severe Fatigue?

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Posted on Mon, 4 Apr 2016
Question: Hello, my 79 year old mother has had blood pressure spikes as high as 200/95. She gets face flushing and burning in her stomach chest area. She's extremely fatigued and caught talk long because of shortness of breath. She's been to ER where they put her on clonodine and metrophil (spelling?). She just had a nuclear stress test and waiting for results. This has been going on since January 4th. She's getting depressed and panics that she's dying. She's seen a PA, cardiologist and pulmonologist with no change. Any advice on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may need assessment for hormonal conditions

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

She may need blood tests to rule out hormonal causes such as pheochromocytoma or thyroid disease.

Pheochromocytoma refers to a rare condition where there is a mass releasing chemicals called catecholamines. These are normally present in the body but in pheochromocytoma , more is present.
The mass is in a gland called the adrenal gland which lies above the kidneys.

Thyroid disease with high hormone levels can also cause high blood pressure, flushing and weight loss.

She may want to consider having these bloods done by her doctor if they have not be done already. Urine tests can also be done for the catecholamines.
Imaging may also be needed as well

I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes High Blood Pressure, Shortness Of Breath And Severe Fatigue?

Brief Answer: may need assessment for hormonal conditions Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic She may need blood tests to rule out hormonal causes such as pheochromocytoma or thyroid disease. Pheochromocytoma refers to a rare condition where there is a mass releasing chemicals called catecholamines. These are normally present in the body but in pheochromocytoma , more is present. The mass is in a gland called the adrenal gland which lies above the kidneys. Thyroid disease with high hormone levels can also cause high blood pressure, flushing and weight loss. She may want to consider having these bloods done by her doctor if they have not be done already. Urine tests can also be done for the catecholamines. Imaging may also be needed as well I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions